RADIO One DJ Scott Mills dropped by his former Hampshire school this morning in a bid to inspire current students to achieve their dreams.

Jaws dropped at Crestwood College in Eastleigh when the radio presenter and former student Scott strode into the sports hall where Year 8 pupils were taking part in an assembly about choosing their subject options for next year.

Youngsters were stunned to see Scott take to the microphone to tell them how important it was to work hard and not to give up on themselves.

He also talked to media students about how he got into the industry and how much hard work pays off.

Scott, who lived in Boyatt Wood when he was a student, said: “I am a former Crestwood pupil, I sat here where you are now. Never did I think I would be back here one day talking about being a Radio One DJ.

“I am in that sort of industry where you have to take the knock backs, but if I had given up all those times I got a rejection letter or just didn’t hear back, I wouldn’t be doing this now.

“You have to pick yourself up and start again. If you have the drive then you will do it.”

It was the first time that some of the school community at The Quilley school had joined with their Crestwood peers ahead of an expected amalgamation.

As previously reported the two schools are currently working through a consultation by Hampshire County Council to merge, due to a lack of pupils on roll at Quilley and lower grades in recent years Scott Mills’ visit had been arranged through the Future First organisation which arranges for past alumni to return to their schools to inspire the current crop of students.

Future First works in 400 state and colleges schools across Britain, including more than 50 across the South East, enabling teachers and careers staff to harness the talents and experience of former students to inspire and motivate the current generation. 

At the end of his talk Scott was presented with a Crestwood school shirt and a deputy head boy badge as a memento of his visit.